Confidence is your #1 style must-have! Thanks ThisThatBeauty for snapping this pic.
Tons of fashion authorities will tell you there aren’t any rules when it comes to fashion. And that’s true for the most part, especially when it comes to archaic “rules” like not wearing white after Labor Day, or not mixing brown and black, or no miniskirts after 30. BUT there are a few pieces of science (if you will) that make getting dressed that much easier for you because there are certain things like your coloring and your body type (body type NOT size) that will dictate what looks the most flattering on you. And as your resident Style and Beauty Doctor, I know a thang or two (or ten) about what looks great on various body types and skin tones thanks to my Image Consulting background (holla @ the Fashion Institute of Technology).
So I’ve constructed some new style rules that aren’t really that new and may not all be “rules” so to speak, but they are “things” I want you to take notice of because they can help take your style and self-esteem to the next level. So here goes…
Oh, and also…there’s a crap load of pictures of me in this post. Best way to not have to pay for photo usage is to just use your own :)
1. Only wear and buy things that make you feel comfortable and look absolutely fabulous on you.
Photo: Nasilele Photography
Not only does this make sense because you’ll always have something amazing to put on every time you reach into your closet, but you also save money because you’re not constantly wasting it on one-off duds. Just because it was on super sale doesn’t mean it’s right for you or your wardrobe.
Knowing what works for your body type (you can also use my menu bar under Fashion to search for Dressing for Your Body posts by category) is a huge key in helping you to zero in on what needs to be in your wardrobe and what you should overlook. If your closet contains only items that look amazing on you, getting dressed becomes that much easier.
2. Photograph yourself often.
Photos: Nasilele Photography (except bottom right)
I’m a huge advocate of having your picture taken often—and not just selfies—even if you’re not a blogger. I didn’t start out taking outfit pics for this blog until a few years after I started it and back then I HATED having my picture taken. I felt awkward and almost always hated the way I looked in pictures. But then I kept doing it, and doing it, and doing it, and now I have a big collection of pics of myself that I LOVE. I still have days where I don’t feel like being in front of a camera, but I’m definitely WAY more confident which I attribute to all those pics. I’ve also learned my best poses (which really aren’t poses—I like to move around and get caught in the moment) and it also helps me with wardrobe choices, too. Some clothing won’t translate well into photos so when you’re planning outfits for a photo session, you really have to keep that in mind. Like I might be able to get away with oversized clothing while running errands, but they just don’t look as good when photographed. So now when I shop I keep in mind what I look the best in from my previous photos.
And you’ll also have a rolodex of cute pics of yourself to look back and remark on how fly you are! Because you are, ya know ;)
3. You are to never ever judge someone else’s style or looks.
Years ago I used to write commentary about celebrity fashion. The snarkier I got, the more people were into it. But it felt really mean and it also opened me up to being criticized as well so I stopped doing it. Now it really burns me up to see people clowning someone else’s style—whether it be clothes or hair or whatever. Sure, there are some things that are just going to be hilarious like that time Gina made Martin wear that super young tracksuit, but needlessly cracking on someone’s style? Not cool. That person may have felt super confident when walking out in their outfit and here you come knocking them down. Confidence to me is more important than following any fashion rule.
Plus if you’re constantly digging on other people’s style, you start to feel all paranoid like people are constantly digging on yours. And that’s no way to live.
Ditto with looks. You are NOT to criticize someone’s size, skin color, facial features, hair, etc. Live and let live, ya’ll. Understand and enjoy that were are all made differently but we’re all worthy of love and respect.
4. Only focus on *your* colors.
According to Color Me a Season, my coloring would fall in the “winter” season. There’s a pretty medium to high level of contrast between my hair color and my skin color. My undertones are more on the neutral side which means I could also steal colors from the warmer “autumn” season, but I tend to love my cooler colors more.
But here’s the thing: anyone can wear ANY hue—but it must be right in temperature (either warm or cool) and intensity (bright or muted). I took a color theory class back in my Image Consulting days at FIT and it really helped me to understand how finding your right colors has very much to do with what you have naturally. You can find more info on how to find out your color season here and how to use the color wheel to create color combos in both your wardrobe and makeup here.
Knowing your best colors helps you to zero in on what works for you best and tunes out what doesn’t. I never feel bad about some colors not working out for me because there are TONS more that do.
5.You need a statement coat on hand.
Photo: Nasilele Photography
I’m sure you have something in your closet already or at least something that with a few tweaks (add a belt, change some buttons, attach a faux fur collar, etc) can be made into something awesome. But you need a statement coat. Something like a blazer or a trench for fall and spring and something super fly and warm for winter. Moto jackets are also cool choices (which is why I own so many…lol). A statement coat makes its statement in either its color, texture, detailing, or fabric. It’s something that once you put it on, it instantly upgrades your entire outfit.
6. Get a pair of statement shoes while you’re at it.
A pair of shoes that go with just about everything in your wardrobe that are stylish AND are easy to walk in. I LOVE moto boots so those always make great statement shoes for me. I also love over the knee boots—I typically get really cute ones for no more than like $40-50 from JustFab (pictured above) but I want to splurge and get a super fashionable flat pair of over the knee boots. Something Mary J. Blige would wear—you know she always has the flyest boots.
7. Splurge on quality, save on trends.
Photo: Nasilele Photography
There are a few things to splurge on in your wardrobe: your statement coat, your statement shoes, maybe a good functional bag (but that’s optional IMO), and depending on your lifestyle maybe a good suit and a fab LBD. Anything else that’s trendy or a one-off, get it as cheap as possible. I LOVED spring and summer’s off-the-shoulder and cold-shoulder trend but I promised myself I wouldn’t go HAM so I only bought one from Burlington (pictured above) AND I can still rock it after the trend is long and gone.
8. Get a fab haircut that’s perfect for your face and makes styling super easy and quick.
No hair texture, length, color, or style is better than any other. BUT I will say that having an amazing haircut that’s perfect for your hair texture, your face shape, and lifestyle is supreme in having great style. Like my hairstylist Gabrielle Corney is known to say, “Hair is the ultimate accessory.” A flattering haircut can take your look to the next level. So find yourself an amazing hairstylist (see How to Find a Great Hair Stylist Using the Internet for tips) and get to primping.
So that’s that! Your biggest takeaway here is to be CONFIDENT and don’t let other people dictate what makes you feel good (well, except for me because I’m just trying to dictate that confidence is your best accessory…lol).
